Cool roofs are designed to reflect heat away from your home while also releasing any heat trapped in the home. They achieve this by being light-colored and coated to reflect heat, among other features. Cool roof options include asphalt shingles, metal panels, tile roofing, and for flat roofs, spray foam roofing. There are several benefits to choosing a cool roofing option when it's time to replace your old roof.
1. Lower Bills
A nearly immediate benefit of a new cool roof is lower summer cooling bills. Since the sun's heat won't be warming up your home all day, you won't have to run the AC nearly as often. The extra insulation present in many types of cool roofing can also lead to winter cost savings, as less heat will be lost through a well-insulated roof.
2. Improved Ventilation
Cool roofs are typically designed with excellent ventilation systems. Ventilation is what keeps hot, moist air trapped from becoming trapped in the attic and heating up the house. Good roof ventilation has another benefit as well — it leads to less condensation in the attic and reduces the chance of mold growth in the home. This is a benefit in any climate, but it's especially useful in damp or humid areas.
3. Better Insulation
As mentioned previously, improved insulation in a cool roof design can keep your home at a more comfortable temperature any time of year. Improved insulation also provides other benefits. A well-insulated roof is a quieter roof, so you are less likely to be disturbed by loud noises outside or planes passing overhead. Good insulation combined with proper ventilation also reduces the chances of ice dams forming in the winter months, thus lowering the likelihood of winter roof leaks.
4. Longer Lifespan
Heat will slowly damage many roofing materials, particularly the coatings on some metal roofs and asphalt shingles. UV rays along with the heat will dry out the coatings and cause them to crack. Similar issues affect asphalt as the oils begin to dry out and the shingles slowly disintegrate. Since cool roofs are designed to reflect away heat, less damage occurs and the materials tend to last longer.
5. Environmentally Friendly
The benefits of a cool roof extend beyond your own home. A cooler roof means that your home won't cause a heat island effect, where temperatures around the home become hotter than they should. This benefits both plants and animals. Lower electricity usage is also good for the environment, and longer-lasting roofs mean less wasted materials.
Contact a roof replacement contractor to learn more.
Roof problems can go from minor to really scary in no time at all. One day you have a little leak, and the next you're left with major water damage in your attic. But it does not have to be this way. Well-informed homeowners know how to recognize roof leaks, and they know the importance of regular maintenance for roof longevity.
How do you become one of those well-informed homeowners? By visiting our website, of course! Here, we have articles about common roofing problems, hiring a roofer, choosing a good roof, and even DIY repairs. Every home has a roof, and every homeowner should know the basics about roofing.